Bhaneja shows a sure hand at pulling everything together – the varied instrumentation seems just right for each track, and when addressing topical issues he keeps things clever rather than preachy. Production is ideal, with an extra richness in the bottom (co-producer Wilkins’ bass standup based has a wonderfully warm presence throughout) that’s never obtrusive, and an appealing immediacy to Bhaneja’s voice and harp.
Blues is music of extraordinary depth and emotional resonance, all too often reduced to formulaic reconstruction. Bhaneja and company don’t exactly re-invent things, but their approach brings the blues into a thoroughly contemporary urban setting without sacrificing the music’s timeless potency.
Artistically accomplished and a thoroughly enjoyable listen, this one’s a winner indeed!
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